With recent findings from SA’s National Food and Nutrition Security Survey revealing troubling statistics, 67.9% of women and 38.2% of men living with obesity, the urgency to address this public health crisis has intensified.
Speaking to Channel Africa on Wednesday, Sister Juandre Watson, Health Promotion and Health Risk Assessment Programme Team Lead at SA’s Heart and Stroke Foundation underscored the need for increased awareness and intervention.
Watson explained that obesity is classified by the World Health Organisation as an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that poses health risks. The standard methods used to diagnose obesity include Body Mass Index (BMI) calculations and waist circumference measurements.
“A normal BMI ranges between 20 and 25, while anything above 30 is classified as obese,” Watson noted. “For waist circumference, women should aim for less than 80 centimetres, and men below 94 centimetres to reduce cardiovascular risks.”
She further warned that the prevalence of obesity in SA is expected to rise, reinforcing the importance of World Obesity Day, observed annually on March 4, as an opportunity to spread awareness and drive policy changes.
One of the biggest challenges in tackling obesity is the stigma attached to it. Watson pointed out that many people wrongly assume obesity is simply a matter of poor lifestyle choices and a lack of willpower.
“Obesity is a disease with multiple contributing factors, including genetics, environment, and socio-economic influences,” she explained.
“The misconception that people should just ‘eat less and move more’ oversimplifies the issue and ignores the complex biological and social determinants at play.”
This stigma, she added, can lead to discrimination and mental health issues, ultimately discouraging individuals from seeking medical support.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation recognises obesity as a major driver of cardiovascular diseases. Watson highlighted the significant strain excessive fat accumulation places on the heart and other vital organs.
“Obesity increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain cancers,” she stated. “When combined with other risk factors, such as smoking, the likelihood of severe health complications multiplies.”
To mitigate these risks, Watson stressed the importance of behavioural changes, including healthy eating and regular physical activity, as key preventive measures.
Addressing obesity requires a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond individual responsibility, Watson emphasised. She outlined the efforts by WOF and its partners to tackle obesity through systemic changes in healthcare, government policy, food production, and public awareness.
“Our school health initiative educates children about nutrition and physical activity to curb childhood obesity,” she explained.
“We also advocate for healthy eating habits and run the Heart Mark Endorsement Programme, helping consumers identify food products low in salt, sugar, and fat.”
Additionally, the organisation works closely with the SA government to influence policy changes, contributing to national healthcare strategies that prioritise obesity prevention and treatment.
--ChannelAfrica--
